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design-technology

Design & Technology

Introduction to the Subject & Team

The Design and Technology department is staffed by an experienced, creative and forward thinking team of teachers. They are all highly skilled practitioners who have a genuine passion for the subject and the job of inspiring their students.

Our vision is to encourage the enjoyment of Design and Technology through creative and inspiring teaching and practical work that incorporates a wide range of materials, themes and ideas. By experiencing project based activities that incorporate the 4 main areas of Design and Technology (Product Design, Food, Graphic Products and Textiles), we aim to develop the creative skills of each individual student.

Course Content at Key Stage 3

Year 7:

Design and Technology in Year 7 is run over 2 lessons per week following a carousel system that rotates every 7 weeks. The topics students follow differ for the area that they will be studying. Each learning group will start on a different project then rotate. All students will work in the four subject areas of Product Design, Graphics, Food and Textiles to produce a variety of practical outcomes.

Year 8:

Design and Technology in Year 8 is run over 2 lessons per week following a carousel system that rotates every 7 weeks. The topics that they will follow, build on the skills learnt in Year 7. They will again all experience the four Design and Technology subjects.

Year 9:

In Year 9 the students will have chosen the Design and Technology subject/s they wish to study for the year and will have two lessons per week. They will again build on previous experience and acquire new skills to prepare them for GCSE courses. They have two lessons per week for each Technology subject during which they work on a series of project based activities.

All the project contents include literacy and numeracy skills which can link and refer to other KS3 subjects.

Course Content at Key Stage 4

Students will complete challenging creative projects and develop practical skills based on the Exam Board content to prepare them for their GCSE studies. Organisational skills are vital; this is particularly so in Food, Preparation and Nutrition where students are expected to provide their own ingredients. The students put together a portfolio recording their activities as they complete the qualification. All D&T courses incorporate literacy, numeracy and ICT within their content and the students are expected to demonstrate a good level of competency in all these areas.

Exam board/Specification: AQA Design and Technology; Product Design

60% controlled assessment – This will be in the form of a major design and make project.

40% one examination – based on the skills learnt through coursework assignments.

50% controlled assessment – This will be in the form of a major design and make project.

50% one examination – based on the skills learnt through coursework assignments.

Career Opportunities and Progression within the Subject

With a Design and Technology qualification, students can go onto various areas of the creative, food and construction industries. Opportunities include Architecture, Product Design, Engineering, Graphic Design and Creative Media.

There are many local colleges which offer courses in catering which will lead to degrees in Food, Nutrition and Catering; this also includes the Sports Science and Nutrition Industry.

How Parents Can Support Learning

In Years 7, 8 and 9 Food Technology lessons, all students will be asked to contribute towards their food ingredients (£15, £20 and £35 respectively). For this they will cook every lesson. It provides the students with an opportunity to be involved in more food practicals and to build up an impressive number of skills.

Encourage your child to be involved in practical activities at home, including helping or being involved in DIY, housework and making meals. Also taking photos, visiting museums and art galleries are excellent ways of developing your child’s skills and interests in this subject area.